Three 49ers players on the hot seat this season

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

CARLOS HYDE: Is he set up for a banner or bummer contract year? Teammates suggest this outside-zone scheme fits Hyde’s skillset. His durability is the bigger concern.

ERIC REID: He happily says he’s made for this strong-safety move closer to the line of scrimmage. A Pro Bowler as a rookie, he entered camp amid contract-extension silence.

JIMMIE WARD: The 49ers love Ward’s versatility and believe the 2014 first-round draft pick can become a ringleader at free safety. Or is he too injury prone to succeed there?

Three positions San Francisco’s brass will be watching

Quarterback: These are the 49ers so this is always a red-flag position, and even though Brian Hoyer is solidified as the season-opening starter, he has short-term job security. Hoyer hasn’t been durable, so Matt Barkley and C.J. Beathard better stay ready.

Pass rusher: Don’t expect a 19½-sack producer like Aldon Smith in 2012. Instead, the 49ers will rely on a rotation of pass rushers, including first-round draft picks Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas, as well as veteran Elvis Dumervil.

Safety: When projected starters Jimmie Ward and Eric Reid sustained injuries early in training camp, it exposed just how inexperienced the 49ers are in the back of their secondary. Adding a veteran at any time could make sense.

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